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Volunteers from Marine Rescue Ballina now have a modern, high-tech base for their life-saving work to protect local boaters, with the opening today of their new $2 million unit base and radio tower.

NSW Police and Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant joined Page MP Kevin Hogan and unit volunteers and local dignitaries to officially open the landmark building beside the Richmond River bar this morning.

“This is a great day for the members of Marine Rescue Ballina, who now have immensely upgraded facilities for their work to save lives on the water,” Mr Grant said.

“The base is fitted out with the very latest in radio communications and IT equipment and provides panoramic views over the hazardous bar and surrounding coastline, enhancing the unit’s ability to respond swiftly to boaters in trouble.

“It also has dedicated training facilities so the volunteers can continue to hone their communications and search and rescue skills, along with secure storage for the unit’s search and rescue and training gear.”

The $2 million base was jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments, Marine Rescue NSW and Ballina Shire Council, with the unit’s volunteers raising up to $150,000 for the communications fit-out.

“The NSW Government is proud to support the members of Marine Rescue NSW, who provide such a vital safety service for boaters on our waters,” he said.

“The volunteers give their time freely to help others in need, monitoring marine radio around the clock for distress calls and often putting their own safety at risk to fulfil their mission of saving lives on the water.”

MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos thanked all those involved in the funding, design and construction of the new base.

“The unit’s volunteers had worked for years in sub-standard conditions in their old radio tower. These superior facilities will help them work even more efficiently and effectively to assist the local boating community,” he said.

The Commissioner thanked the State Government and boating community for their ongoing financial support for Marine Rescue NSW and its volunteers and the Ballina community for its generosity in supporting the unit’s fundraising activities.